Long battle over anti-seizure medication risk to the unborn
Brand names of sodium valproate include Depakine, Epilim, Depakote and Stavzor.
Photo:
AFP
There are concerns patients prescribed anti-seizure medications still aren't being made aware of the risks to unborn children of taking them.
One drug, sodium valproate, is of particular concern. It's used to treat epilepsy, bi-polar disorder and migraines, but has been found to cause harm to babies - including birth defects and neurological issues.
In the UK, it's over a year since a government inquiry recommended financial redress for the estimated 20,000 children affected by sodium valproate exposure.
So far, nothing has happened. Children in New Zealand have also been exposed to the drug - although the Ministry of Health says the numbers are decreasing, from 124 pregnancies in 2007 to 9 in 2023.
Denise Astill has long sought details on the number of pregnancy exposures to anti-seizure meds.
Sodium valproate - marketed as Epilim - has been used here since 1975. In 2018 she petitioned Parliament about it, calling for an inquiry into the numbers harmed. It was not accepted. Her twin daughters have Foetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder - it's what motivated her to set up the organisation Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome New Zealand, her service to which earned her the New Zealand Order of Merit this year.
She joins Kathryn to detail why she fears patients are still not getting the information they need about these medications.
(A warning - you should consult your doctor before stopping or changing any anti seizure medication)
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